‘Nothing political’ in mobile cabinet meet

The two-day cabinet trip to the northeastern provinces of Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen is aimed at tackling local problems and there is nothing political about it, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.

“The prime minister has stressed that it’s the government’s duty to listen to the needs of people.

“Don’t look at it as a political issue. Right now, the country must move forward with the cooperation of all involved,’’ the spokesman said. The meeting starts today in Amnat Charoen.

Low-income people in the region have pressing problems which need to be addressed urgently, Lt Gen Sansern said. Amnat Charoen is among 10 provinces with the lowest gross provincial product per capita, and with little progress in education, he said.

These provinces are also prone to persistent flooding and droughts and face an ever-increasing amount of garbage, he said.

The government will push for measures to improve organic farming, traditional Thai medicine and reforestation to improve the natural environment, as well as preserve local cultures to promote tourism, Lt Gen Sansern said.

Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen are part of a group of four northeastern provinces, collectively known as “Ratchathani Charoen Si Sothon’’.

The other two provinces are Si Sa Ket and Yasothon, he said.

The cabinet will also consider proposals for social and economic development. The proposals include improving road, rail, and air logistics, development of water sources for agriculture and flood solutions.